Training Your Brain by Lumos Labs

Mental abilities are traditionally thought of as a fixed part of our identities, assigned by a roll of the genetic dice. However, recent research shows that through training it is possible to improve cognitive abilities that are critical for problem solving, memory, and even IQ.

While we usually assume that changes in our brains trend towards slowing down as we age (as early as age 30!), the good news is that people actually have a great deal of control over reversing this trend to speed up and improve cognitive abilities at any age.

Lumosity, a brain training program consisting of engaging brain games and exercises developed by some of the leading neuroscientists in the country, improves some of the brain’s most basic functions. According to the results of a clinical study, people who play the Lumosity games for at least 30 days improve their ability to remember information, pay attention, solve problems such as computing math equations, and think quickly.

The Lumosity brain games focus on training the mind in an interactive environment. These games and exercises are a fast, fun, and effective way to enhance mood and confidence in addition to improving cognitive performance and brain health. The brain games are short and fit into a daily 10 minute session.

“I'm a 47 year old librarian. I'm on session 9 of 30 and am already experiencing an excellent improvement in my memory.” Said Loretta Michaels of San Jose, CA. “ I can now write down entire bib numbers (about 9 numbers) with one look. Very enjoyable as well. I love the birdwatching exercise!”

The Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly (ACTIVE) study, funded by NIH, demonstrated that adults could improve their cognitive abilities with proper training, and that some of these gains were maintained several years later. In this experiment involving over 2800 adults, subjects improved in memory, reasoning, or processing speed after training. Even 5 years later, subjects maintained many of their improvements.

Lumosity’s training program starts with an exercise that feels more like a traditional video game than a rigorous mental workout. You must simultaneously detect a bird flitting through the scenery and identify a letter that appears just briefly. With a quick eye and a fighter pilot’s visual attention, you capture birds in pursuit of the high score.

Lumos Labs is comprised of neuroscientists and game designers who want to make us smarter through gaming. Founded in 2005, Lumos Labs, Inc. creates innovative neuroscience-based brain exercises that empower people to lead better lives through improved brain health and performance.

Copyright 2008 Lumos Labs